About Chikballapur

Chikballapur is the district headquarters of the newly created district of Chikballapur in the southern state of Karnataka. Situated about 57 km. north of Bangalore the north -south National Highway NH-7 passes through this town. There is a passenger rail connection between Bangalore and Chikballapur.

Chikballapur is an ideal tourist destination. The Nandi Hill is a popular tourist destination and is situated 22km. south of Chikballapur. Many historic temples are situated in and around this town. The Ranganatha Swamy Temple is a temple worth visiting for the stone statue of Lord Vishnu. Trekking, mountaineering and rock climbing are other activities that the place also offers to the visitors. Pandava and the Kaurava hills are very good for mountaineering. The scenic beauty of the five hills known as Pancha Giris is a treat for eyes.

According to the 2001 census report, Chikballapur had a population of 54,938. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49% of the population. 11% of the population is less than six years of age. Chikballapur has an average literacy rate of 57%, which is lower than the national standard of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 61% and female literacy rate is 52%. The rate of literacy is high due to school facilities available here and awareness in the people. There are many educational institutions situated in Chikballapur. A well-known school of the area is the Sri Bhagavan Sathya Saibaba School and college situated 3 km. from Chikballapur.

Temples of Chikballapur District

The temples of Chikballapur district are astounding creations in the south Indian state of Karnataka, bearing the magnificent Chola architecture. Chikballapur district is a newly created district in the state of Karnataka that was carved out of the existing Kolar district by moving the taluks of Gowribidanur, Gudibanda, Bagepalli, Chikballapur, Sidlaghatta and Chintamani into the new district.

The temples of Chikballapur district have rare combination of traditional Chola forms and contemporary style of constructions. Rangasthala is a beautiful temple in this district, located on the way from Chikballapur to Gouribidanur. This temple is built in the Vijayanagar style and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Bhoganandeeshwara Temple is one of the important temples of Chikballapur district; situated in the Nandi village constructed around 806 A.D. by Rathnavalli of Bana Dynasty is in Dravidian style. This temple is widely known in south India for its ancient architecture.

Sri. Arunachaleswara temple is located nearby Boganandiswara temple built out of soapstone. This temple is one of the unique examples in this district that suggests the innovative art. Moreover, this is one of the rare temples of Chikballapur district where one can find fine Ganga, Chola, Hoysala style of architecture together. Yoganandishwara Temple on Nandhi Hill was constructed in Drawidan and Chola style of architecture. This temple is one of the most visited temples of Chikballapur district. Sri Krishnadevaraya donated the idols of Dwarapalakas. An inscription at the outer wall of the temple narrates that Sambaji, son of Chatrapathi Shivaji captured the hill from the Mughal Rulers. Devaraya constructed another temple of Chikballapur district, Veerabhadra temple around 1397 A.D.

Papagni Matta, Aiyappa Temple and Chitravathi Temple are some more worth seeing temples of Chikballapur district in Karnataka.

Tourism in Chikballapur

Tourism in Chikballapur comprises visits to various religious and historical places. The tourist attractions of this city of Karnataka attract the travellers from far and wide. This place is considered as an ideal tourist destination. Tourism in Chikballapur gives a pleasurable trip to the visitors. Moreover, Chikballapur also draws the attention of adventure lovers. There are several places of interest in  Chikballapur,  some of them are mentioned below.

Chintamani: This town is famous for its gold and silver trade and its incense industry. One of the oldest Dargahs in Karnataka, the Murugmulla Dargah of Fakhi Shah Wali is located at about 8 kms from this town. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Gummanayaka Fort: This fort is situated at around 16 kms east of Bagepalli, and was founded around 1350 by a feudatory chieftain Gummanayaka who ruled the region for several years. It is noted for its fortified circular rock, which rises 150 feet above the surrounding hilly tract.

Nandi Hills: Situated 60 kms north of Bengaluru and 1478 metres above sea level, Nandi Hill, earlier known as Nandidurga, was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. He expanded the existing fort, built by local feudatory chieftains, into twin forts. Attracted by the salubrious climate of this area, the British built spacious bungalows and laid beautiful gardens. They succeeded in converting Nandi Hills into a charming hill station. Adventure sports lovers can try their hand at parasailing. Nearby is the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple atop the hill.

Rangasthala: On the way from Chikkaballapur to Gouribidanur, this village has a beautiful temple of Lord Ranganatha in the Vijayanagar architectural style.

Kaivara: This town is associated with the epic, Mahabharata. Known as Ekchakrapura, this is where the Pandavas lived during their exile period. Several legends are associated with this place. There is a beautiful garden complex in Kaivara which is worth visiting. Also, in the garden are five cottages named after the Pandavas. The temples of Amaranarayana and Bheemeshwara as well as the Yogi Narayana ashram of this place are worth a visit.

Bhoganandishwara Temple: Bhoganandishwara temple in Nandi village is a popular tourist attraction of Chikballapur and it was constructed around 806 AD by Rathnavalli of Bana Dynasty, in Dravidian style. This temple is known for its ancient architecture. Sri Arunachaleswara temple, nearby Bhoganandishwara temple, is another example of a distinct Dravidian style of architecture

Srinivasa Sagara Kere: It is a beautiful lake, near Chikballapur.

Yoganandishwara Temple: Yoganandishwara temple on Nandi Hill was constructed in Dravidian and Chola style of architecture. This temple is worth visiting.

Surasadmagiri Hill : Surasadmagiri hill is located in the north west of Gudibanda town. It offers a magnificent view of the nature.

Apart from these attractions, Viswesharaiah Tomb, Papagni Matta, Aiyappa Temple, Chitravathi Temple, Muddenahalli, Tippudrop and Jakkalamadagu Dam are the other popular tourist places of Chikballapur.